In a distressing example of animal neglect, the City of New Bedford Police Department has reported that a local woman was charged with animal cruelty when two cats were found dead in her overheated car; the grim discovery was made by officers responding to a call at a city market. According to the City of New Bedford Police Department's social media post, on Tuesday, Officers Tyler White and Edwin Yat Toj were conducting their usual patrol in the South End sector when they were flagged down to assist with the situation at Seabra Foods located on Rockdale Avenue.
The temperature in the vehicle was recorded at lethal levels, with 106 degrees Fahrenheit in the front and reaching a scorching 131 degrees in the back, Brandi Lyn Mosher, the 53-year-old vehicle owner, admitted that three cats had been residing inside her car—she claimed the animals had access to an electric fan, food, and water while she left the car parked for roughly two hours. In her defence, the well-being of the animals was presumably a consideration, however, the reality of their condition indicated severe neglect;
In their investigation, officers discovered the car cluttered with debris and personal items, where they also found two cats that appeared to have been deceased for an extended period. As a result, Mosher faced arrest and was subsequently charged with four counts of animal cruelty—details that the police department has released to the public hoping to emphasize the severity of the situation and the responsibility pet owners have to ensure the welfare of their animals.
The third cat, which was found alive but likely distressed from the heat, has since been surrendered to Animal Control and is being cared for by Forever Paws Animal Shelter, now available for adoption to those who can offer a safe and loving environment. The New Bedford Police encourage anyone with information about the case to contribute anonymously by calling 508-99-CRIME or sharing a tip through their website; this engagement with the community perhaps could be a small step in crowding out the dark corners where cruelty hides and fostering a more vigilant society.
